The 5 best tiny houses of 2022: Modern tiny home kits

Features

• 30 feet wide
• 344 square feet
• 2 beds, 1 bath
• $88,940

The basic package for the Traveler XL is the most expansive I’ve seen, including everything from maple composite flooring to a kitchen with cabinetry, stainless gas stove, deep stainless sink, and a butcher block kitchen table. The bathroom includes a vanity with a surprisingly roomy single bowl sink, faucet, tub/shower, toilet, exhaust fan, large mirror, LED lighting, and hardware. That’s right, there’s a tub in this tiny house! There are options to upgrade from the basic package and they are all transparently priced on the spec sheet.

One thing that appealed to me about the Traveler XL was the comfort it affords to taller people. It contains a vaulted ceiling that makes the space appear roomy, and it places the master bedroom on the first floor instead of limiting sleeping arrangements to just a space-crunching loft. The windows around the bedroom create a cozy nook that also lets you stretch without bumping into the ceiling. You can even make the bed without as much fuss as you would with a loft.

Escape has a cool feature that sets it apart from the rest: Escape Vacations. You can try out the Traveler XL and other units by renting one for a vacation and experiencing living in one yourself. This is a good way to test-drive tiny living without making an investment right off the bat. 

I was ultimately swayed by Escape’s YouTube channel, which contains an in-depth walkthrough of the unit. The Traveler XL has an aesthetically pleasing exterior with plenty of windows, including a window that’s almost floor-to-ceiling in the kitchen space. I’d rather live here than in a one-bedroom apartment! The price is right too.

Pros

• Energy efficient
• There’s a full tub included — and it fits into the bathroom
• The pricing sheet transparently displays the cost of add-ons, which makes budgeting easier
• The base price is reasonable, considering everything included in the price
• You can test out the Traveler XL by vacationing in one before buying

Cons

• They deliver, but the charge depends on location. This is common for most companies
• The loft to the second bedroom is accessible with a ladder, which may not be the best option for those with disabilities 
• This is not their cheapest unit